Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary in California
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary in California earn a median of $99,860 a year, based on BLS data for 2,170 workers.
Pay ranges from $45,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $208,410 for the top 10%. That is 26% higher than the national median of $79,350. California ranks 3rd of 45 states for foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.12 foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $116,230, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary in California
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,580 |
| 25th percentile | $64,680 |
| Median | $99,860 |
| 75th percentile | $166,400 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $208,410 |
| Average (mean) | $116,230 |
Half of foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,321.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,160.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,840.77 |
| Weekly | $1,920.38 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $99,860 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $171,660 | 130 |
| Fresno, CA | $167,160 | 70 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $125,980 | 130 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $115,040 | 240 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $106,050 | 200 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $103,190 | 50 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $96,550 | 190 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $83,310 | 800 |
Highest-paying states for foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $101,750 |
| Delaware | $101,100 |
| California | $99,860 |
| Massachusetts | $98,750 |
| Maine | $96,970 |
| New York | $95,120 |
| Oregon | $91,670 |
| Maryland | $87,280 |
| Nevada | $84,980 |
| Michigan | $83,190 |
See Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $100,690 | — |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $165,110 | — |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $76,630 | $36.84 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,410 | — |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | $119,540 | — |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,960 | — |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $130,490 | — |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $128,470 | — |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $107,340 | — |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $130,680 | — |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $129,150 | — |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $135,000 | — |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $111,850 | — |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | $132,920 | — |
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-1124. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary make in California?
The median salary for foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary in California is $99,860 a year. Pay ranges from $45,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $208,410 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary make in California?
The top 10% of foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary in California earn at least $208,410 a year. The top 25% earn $166,400 or more.
What is the starting pay for foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $45,580 a year, and a quarter of foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary earn $64,680 or less.
How many foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary work in California?
About 2,170 foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.